Extra flights are being laid on by Gulf Air to transport passengers stranded by the volcanic ash cloud.

It said 10 extra flights would serve passengers stuck in other airports due to the closure of European airspace.

However, the airline said its passengers stranded in Bahrain had already left by yesterday evening.

The national carrier will today operate a flight between Bahrain, Kathmandu and London Heathrow to transport passengers waiting in Nepal's capital.

Another flight will be operated between Bahrain, Kathmandu and Paris tomorrow, as well as one more return flight between Bahrain and Frankfurt.

'Our team, drawn from operations, network, airports and other departments, has been working tirelessly ever since the situation has arisen to take care of the passengers wherever they were stuck and ensure alternative arrangements are made to fly them safely and smoothly as they waited for the airspace to reopen - they have done a great job,' chief executive officer Samer Majali said.

'I would like to thank officials of the Bahrain Airport Company, Civil Aviation Affairs and embassies for their support and assistance. I thank them for their patience, understanding and co-operation.'

The following is the schedule of additional flights (all times are local):

TODAY

1. GF2602 A343 Bahrain 3.05am - Kathmandu 10.30am

2. GF2603 A343 Kathmandu 11.30am - Bahrain 2pm

3. GF2007 A343 Bahrain 4.15pm - London Heathrow 9.35pm

4. GF2002 A343 London Heathrow 10.35pm - Bahrain 7.50am (tomorrow)

TOMORROW

1. GF2604 A340 Bahrain 3.05am - Kathmandu 10.30am

2. GF2605 A340 Kathmandu 11.30am - Bahrain 2pm

3. GF2019 A340 Bahrain 4pm - Paris CDG 9.55pm

4. GF2018 A340 Paris CDG 11pm - Bahrain 6.20am (Saturday)

5. GF2017 A340 Bahrain 4.50pm - Frankfurt 10.15pm

6. GF2016 A340 Frankfurt 11.15pm - Bahrain 6am (Saturday)-TradeArabia News Service